Mulberry (Morus spp.) growth analysis by morpho-physiological and biochemical components for crop productivity enhancement

摘要

Mulberry is a crop of economic importance in sericulture and the silkworm solely feeds on its foliage for silk biosynthesis. The study reports characterization of mulberry growth by statistical analysis using morpho-physiological and biochemical components during three cultivation periods. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant variations (p < 0.001) of traits during the cultivation periods. The shoot elongation rate (SER) was maximum in 16 - 45th day of the growth phase across three cultivation periods. Inter-nodal distance (IND) was highly heritable and consistent in all environments. The photosynthetic rate (A) was highest in 45th day followed by 60th and 69th days. The stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) was uniform in different growth stages with no clear trend on intrinsic water-use efficiency (IWUE). A strong positive correlation of A, gs and Tr and, a negative correlation of number of days for bud sprouting (NDBS) and IWUE with fresh biomass (FB) were observed. The liner mixed model also suggested the contribution of few morpho-physiological traits in fresh leaf weight (FLW) and fresh shoot weight (FSW). Significant correlations (p < 0.05) of light and CO2 curve parameters (Amax, AQL, Vcmax and Jmax) with fresh biomass were established. The results of growth analysis augment crop cultivation practices and breeders are provided with better insight into the mulberry growth for strategic planning in productivity enhancement.